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Types of Welding

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Utilizing a number of tools and various kinds of metals, welders can transform any piece into any shape for any function. However, in order to master the art of welding, you need to start with the basics and understand the different types of welding. The four welding types utilized most frequently are MIG, TIG, Stick and Flux- Cored Arc Welding. Each of these comes with its own advantages and disadvantages and require proper training to practice them.

MIG – Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)

MIG (metal inert gas) welding works well with a range of alloys like stainless steel, aluminum, silicon bronze and nickel. It is an arc welding process in which a bare, solid wire electrode feeds through the welding gun, joining the two base metals. It is utilized in automotive repair work, building, plumbing, robotics, fabrication and maritime repairs where a thinner metal is being used.

TIG – Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)

TIG is a welding process that uses a tungsten electrode. It creates a weld in a helium or argon (inert gas) environment. This method is used when welding thick sections of stainless steel or non-ferrous metals together. This welding approach, first used in the 1940s, is a lengthy welding process that needs a high level of skill and focus. TIG can be used to weld aluminum, stainless steel, steel, nickel alloys, copper, brass, bronze or magnesium.

Stick – Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)

This type of welding requires the welder to follow a manual process of stick welding. The stick uses electric currents and forms an arc between the stick and the metals. This process is used primarily to weld thicker iron and steels (including stainless steel) but aluminum, nickel and copper alloys can also be welded with this method. One of the biggest advantages of stick welding is that it’s extremely portable but this process takes longer.

Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)

This welding process is typically used when welding thicker metals where deep penetration is needed. Flux-Cored uses a hollow wire electrode fed through the gun into the joint. A major benefit of this welding process is that is can be easily performed outside, quickly and efficiently, often on metals that don’t need to be cleaned.

 

Arclabs Welding School

Arclabs Welding School has four locations: Columbia, SC, Charleston, SC, Piedmont/Greenville, SC and Houston, TX. We offer programs for every skill level where you can learn these common welding processes. Are you ready to become essential? Are you ready to step into a career where you use your hands to build and create? Contact Arclabs Welding School today at 877-647-4111 for more information on our welding programs.

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